Intermediary
An intermediary in insurance is a person or company that acts as a middleman between the insurance company and the policyholder. They help facilitate the purchase of insurance by providing advice, explaining options, and managing the application process.
What is an Intermediary in Insurance?
An intermediary in insurance plays a crucial role in connecting the insurance company (the insurer) with the person or business seeking insurance (the insured). Their job is to help clients understand their insurance needs, find suitable policies, and navigate the complexities of insurance contracts.
For example, imagine a small business owner named Sarah who wants to protect her company from potential risks. She might find it challenging to understand all the different types of insurance available and choose the right one for her needs. This is where an intermediary, such as an insurance broker, comes in. The intermediary would assess Sarah’s business, explain the various insurance options, and help her choose a policy that provides the right level of coverage. They would also handle the paperwork and communicate with the insurance company on Sarah’s behalf.
Key Components of an Intermediary
Intermediaries in insurance have three key components that define their role and responsibilities:
Advisory Role: Intermediaries provide expert advice to clients on the types of insurance that best suit their needs. They help clients understand the risks they face and how different insurance products can protect against these risks.
Facilitation Role: They facilitate the purchase of insurance by helping clients complete application forms, gather necessary documentation, and submit the required information to the insurance company. They also negotiate terms and premiums with the insurer on behalf of the client.
Ongoing Support: Intermediaries offer ongoing support throughout the life of the insurance policy. This includes helping clients with claims, answering any questions they may have, and reviewing and updating policies as needed to ensure they remain adequately covered.
Types of Intermediary
There are several types of intermediaries in the insurance industry, each serving different functions and types of clients. The four main types are:
Insurance Brokers
Independent professionals who work on behalf of the client to find the best insurance policy. They have access to a wide range of insurance products from different companies and can offer impartial advice. For example, Gerrards, our business insurance brokerage, helps businesses find the most suitable insurance coverage.
Insurance Agents
These intermediaries represent one or more insurance companies and sell their products. There are two types of insurance agents: captive agents, who work exclusively for one insurer, and independent agents, who represent multiple insurers.
Reinsurance Brokers
Specialists who work in the reinsurance market, which involves insurance companies insuring their own risks with other insurers. Reinsurance brokers help insurance companies manage their risk by finding suitable reinsurance solutions.
Financial Advisers
Professionals who provide broader financial advice, which can include insurance. They help clients understand how insurance fits into their overall financial plan and ensure they have adequate protection for their assets and income.
How Insurance Covers Intermediaries
Insurance for intermediaries is designed to protect them from various risks associated with their profession. Here are some common types of insurance that cover intermediaries:
Professional Indemnity Insurance: This insurance protects intermediaries from claims made by clients for professional negligence, errors, or omissions. For example, if an insurance broker gives incorrect advice that results in a client suffering financial loss, professional indemnity insurance would cover the legal costs and any compensation awarded.
Public Liability Insurance: This covers intermediaries against claims for injury or damage caused to third parties as a result of their business activities. If a client visits the broker’s office and slips, injuring themselves, public liability insurance would cover the costs of the claim.
Business Insurance: Intermediaries, like any other business, need insurance to protect their assets and operations. This can include property insurance, business interruption insurance, and cyber insurance to protect against data breaches.
